Hi,
I have a 2001 RX300, and each time it starts up, the belts squeaks and makes really loud noise for about 2 to 5 minutes. Can anyone tell me what the problem is? Is it time to replace the two belts? The SUV has about 70000 miles on it. I've searched on this forum on how to replace the belts, but maybe because I'm stupid, I get confuse on how to replace them. TunedRX300 has posted information on that, but I don't know how to replace both belts. TunedRX300, could you please give me instructions step by step to do so? Thanks in advance.

Not trying to be rude here, but if you are asking for a step by step process in how take the belt off and put one on, you are better off taking the RX to a mechanic. Loose belt will shine-up and need replacement and an over-tight will ruin bearings.

Salim

My belts starting squeeking at about 55,000 miles, so I think you did quite well making it to 70,000 miles. It should take a mechanic less than an hour.

it took me 95k to get that noise

the belt on my moms rx started squeaking around 70k miles also, i replaced the 2belts which stopped the squeaking for a few months and now its back again. i checked the tension of the belts and its fine but still squeaks?

one1 know y this is happening again? could it be that one of the pulleys are getting stuck and causing the belt to slip until it loosens up and starts rotating with the belt?

The idlers on the Timing belt can squeel too. First eliminate that it is not the accessory belt (ac -alternator) or steering pump. If a gentle spray of water on both can help quieten them then it is the Tbelt idelers.

Salim

My belt squeeled in the cold mornings. The dealer changed the serpentine belt? After they changed it (when it was still under warranty), no more sound.

what would you need to do to fix the Tbelt idelers or would you need to replace them?

You need to remove both accessory belts and the timing belt cover. You can lube the idler, but If you're getting in that deep, I'd just replace it. Try Salim's idea - spray water on the accessory belts - if the noise goes away it's those belts. If not, it's probably the timing belt idler.

The idlers in RX are lubed for life. The only fix is to replace them. Before the cover is removed, you need to make sure it is not the acc or the steering pump belt. [the steering pump can be bad and will make heck of a noise].

Salim
ps: With 70k on odo, and if you have to replace the idlers, think about early T-belt replacement.

The PS belt is a little tricky. It requires a Special Service Tool to loosen one of the bolts (well, I should say that applies to 1999, don't know about the 2001). I made my own by grinding down a deep socket. Based on your post, I doubt if you want to get into that. Find a good indie. Probably just need some adjustment. Based on my experience, I would be very surprised if you need new belts at 70k.

ill have a look at the streering pump because im pretty much 100% certain that it cant be the belts alone because i replaced them about 1k miles ago, i hope its not time for an early tbelt replacement haha

Who changed the belts? The belts have to be tensioned properly. The new belts stretch out.

The old method of twist does not work reliably.

1/2 hr labor for the mechanic or buy a tension gauge. Any thing off the ebay, will require calibration.

Salim